It’s an opening night extravaganza at the upcoming First Friday event Sept. 4 in downtown Bakersfield’s arts district. Local galleries and theaters are kicking off the fall season with several new shows – all celebrating local culture and heritage in their own ways.

"India Maria" by Alberto Herrera. Photo courtesy of Don Martin, Metro Galleries

Metro Galleries

Metro Galleries is holding its first jurried art show, “Latination,” which is “dedicated to celebrating and exploring Latino culture,” according to gallery owner Don Martin. Twenty-five pieces of art were chosen from about 70 entries, including works by Alberto Herrera, Barbara Reid, Pattie Doolittle, Larry Jason and Tena Navarrete.

A reception from 5 to 10 p.m. will include hors d’oeuvres by El Pueblo restaurant in Lamont, a no-host margarita bar, music by Mento Buru and Velorio, and a visit from special guest Dolores Huerta.

The event is sponsored by Mas Magazine, Grimmway Farms, Dr. Luis Cousin, David Torres, Kim Jessup and Icon Printing Solutions. For more information, call 634-9598.

Spotlight Theatre

Continuing the theme of “Latination,” in the parking lot on 19^th Street between Metro Galleries and Spotlight Theatre, Latino filmmakers will project documentaries on the side of the building. From 5 to 9 p.m., Spotlight Café will also expand its Pasta on the Patio to include wine margaritas.

At 8 p.m., Spotlight Theatre opens its newest show, John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath.” The stage version of the American classic won a Tony Award in 1990. According to the theater’s website, the play uses “sparse technical means” to convey its message, which is rooted in Kern County’s history as ground zero of the Dustbowl migration. Admission is $18 pre-sale and $20 at the door. For more information, call 634-0692 or visit www.spotlightfound.org.

A banana peel is one of many objects painted by Vikki Cruz for "One." Photo by Jennifer Baldwin

Surface Gallery

One year ago, Surface Gallery owners Vikki Cruz and Yvonne Cavanagh opened their doors on 20^th Street across from the Fox Theatre. In celebration of their first year, the young women are opening their new show, “One,” which showcases works by the four original exhibitors: Cruz and Cavanagh and their colleagues Brent Eviston and Liz Sherwyn.

Yvonne Cavanagh works on clay tablets for "One." Photo by Jennifer Baldwin

Each artist has spent the summer interpreting the meaning of “One.” Cavanagh has imprinted clay tablets with flora depicting the months of the year, and Cruz has painted a series of meaningful objects. The reception from 5 to 9 p.m. will include appetizers by Valentien Restaurant and Wine Bar. For more information, call 323-4090 or visit surface-gallery.blogspot.com.

Stars Theatre

Stars Theatre is celebrating its 10th anniversary in its downtown Bakersfield location with an Anniversary Gala. The show is a review of favorite moments and performers over the years. According to the theater’s website, the space at 1931 Chester Ave. was converted from a historic bank building in 1999.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $30 to $54 and includes gourmet dining. For reservations, call 325-6100 or visit www.bmtstars.com.

For more information about all of these events and more, please visit the Bakersfield Express events calendar.